From July 10-19, the United Nations is hosting its annual High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development. This series of meetings marks almost 2 years since the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda was adopted by more than 190 countries. Gathering world leaders annually since then in the United Nations New York City headquarters, this conference is a chance for countries and organizations to review their progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It’s also a chance for all of us – as citizens of our respective countries – to pay attention to what our leaders are doing and saying about their commitments on our behalf. Established in September 2015, the SDGs – also known as the global goals – are a global to-do list of our collective commitment to ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all.